	mugenpower
	View My AgentPage

Lexus IS-F, Road and Track Test Drive at the Fuji SpeedWay

mugenpower submitted on 06/21/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:36 PM
from: www.nihoncar.com

[57] user comments | category: Reviews

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

Tags: TOYOTA, LEXUS, IS-F, SEDAN, V8, FUJI SPEEDWAY, YAMASHITA

Tag Links: TOYOTA, LEXUS, IS-F, SEDAN, V8, FUJI SPEEDWAY, YAMASHITA

Lexus IS-F, Road and Track Test Drive at the Fuji SpeedWay

Born at the Fuji Speedway, we decided to go and test the IS-F there is a SuperGT driver, Mr. Yamashita...

Conclusion:
We had the M3 not so long ago for ManualGear.com and the BMW was in our head during the test drive of this IS-F, after all, it is clearly Lexus’s main target with this new machine and…if we had to choose between the 2 we’d probably go for…the IS-F. The Lexus may not offer the same adrenalin rush as the M3 but he combination of luxury, comfort, style, performance and safety makes it a very good choice for whoever is searching for a four-passenger luxury sport sedan. Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

DaHarder - 6/21/2008 11:53:27 PM

+10 Boost

"if we had to choose between the 2 ( IS-F and M3) we’d probably go for…the IS-F"

Though there will be numerous naysayers loudly disagreeing here, that fact is, Lexus has done a fine job with the IS-F in many way... and there will be many who'll draw the same conclusion as this tester.

reply to this comment

JRobUSC - 6/22/2008 12:01:00 AM

0 Boost

"and there will be many who'll draw the same conclusion as this tester."

maybe. I notice this particular review was from a site catering to Japanese vehicles. That sort of downgrades the value. I wonder how reviews of the M3 are on "IHeartGermanCars.com" and "GermanCarsRule.com". Probably pretty good too, right?

utahnkid - 6/22/2008 9:48:35 AM

+5 Boost

I live in a relatively small town (50,000-75,000 people) and I've already seen 3 IS-F's driving around from people living in town. No M3 yet.

Obviously a few people agreed.

stash84 - 6/22/2008 9:33:12 PM

+3 Boost

damn..ive only seen 2 in miami, including mine

Agent63 - 6/23/2008 4:26:35 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

When I look at an IS-F it looks just like an IS-F that's riced out. Now when I listen to that beautiful V8 roar it brings nothing but positive things to say about it.

Whatthe - 6/23/2008 10:26:54 AM

-1 Boost

It's a boy racer you don't have to do the body kit yourself. Come on, its a Japanese mag, the only mag that will come to this conclusion.
Wheres the manual tranny?
Not even in the same league as the M3.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 6/23/2008 2:20:03 PM

+1 Boost

"The thing is that the VDIM, once on a race track, prevents you (or the driver) to push the car to its limits.
A lot of safety equipments had to be deactivated before the test drive and that’s something you won’t be able to do unless you want to lose the warranty"

This is completely wrong. There is a "sport" button on the dash below the start button which COMPLETELY de activates the VDIM, and changes the nature of the transmission entirely. I guess these testers missed that.....

enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2008 12:06:48 AM

-1 Boost

japanese publication tests japanese car in japan and say says it's the best.

yeah, they're objective.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2008 12:08:14 AM

-1 Boost

and the title of the publication is nihon (i.e. japanese) car.

_43LE - 6/22/2008 11:41:23 AM

+3 Boost

Just like all the German car mags which are equally objective.

lexusrox123 - 6/24/2008 11:18:02 AM

+1 Boost

of course! and american car mags tend to have a bias towards american cars

F1_Driver - 6/22/2008 12:41:49 AM

+1 Boost

The guy testing the IS-F sure doesn't look Japanese or sound Japanese.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2008 1:37:04 PM

-1 Boost

but he works for nihon car. it's the equivalent of a magazine named germanic car.

mugenpower - 6/22/2008 5:00:03 AM

+6 Boost

I am the guy you are seeing in the video and who wrote the review... As I stated, I love the M3 for its power and lunacy but the M3 is a very picky car to drive for the average joe, while the IS-F, less powerful, will fit many of you... Now Yes NihonCar is a Website dedicated for Japanese car, but we ALSO have ManualGear.com, a website dedicated to European Cars and I also tested the M3 here... So I believe we are fair...

http://www.manualgear.com/en/driven-71-BMW+M3+E92.html

reply to this comment

EL44 - 6/22/2008 5:02:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

said.

kthor - 6/22/2008 7:26:11 AM

+3 Boost

I have to agree with the reviewer, mugenpower on this. The ISF really is a great choice for the "average joe" who isn't a real driving enthusiast. The ISF is perfectly suited to the 70-somethings that lexus caters to who want to feel like a "hot-rodder", while the M3 is best relegated to drivers who have spent the effort to develop "skills". The only people who will ever appreciate the M3 are that top 5% who will notice the difference between a nicely tuned sedan and a true thorough-bred. Why choose a carbon fiber roof you can't even see when you can get carbon-look right on the console! He is right, it will fit many of you. The superlative isn't for everyone, by definition after all.

pcar4evr - 6/22/2008 9:30:08 AM

+3 Boost

kthor - I know three guys who have highly modded 997tts (all around 600 hp), who are 35-40 y.o. and who bought ISF's as their everyday cars. Those guys rave about how nice a car the ISF - they are really impressed with what Lexus has done. Not saying the M3 isn't better, just saying that your generalizations may not be accurate

answer - 6/22/2008 6:32:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

kthor just has to crawl out from under his rock anytime BMW is seen as not being perfect.

M3 and IS-F are both awesome. Deal with it.

BMW4me4ever - 6/23/2008 10:53:48 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

buy then why buy the IS-F over an IS350? I have driven both and part of the allure to buying a high performance sport sedan is for the sport nature, quick and light steering, tight handling and the fact it is lightning fast. To compare the IS-F to a M3 for the same money is ridiculous. I have driven both back to back on the same race track and the IS-F is nowhere near the same league as the M3.

The IS-f has a great engine sound to it, but is disappointing since it cant back up the sound. Alot more body roll than one would expect for a car trying to compete with the M3. Way too much nose dive when entering a turn, plus the lift of the bbody when exiting the turns. I dont understand why anyone would buy the IS-F, when the IS350 provides similar handling at $20k less. Also, the peak torque comes into play when you are exiting a turn. There is a significant delay for the torque to spool up before the car gets going. I will say that it is better looking in person than pictures showed, aside from the weird looking stacked exhausts. Interior wise, not too crazy of the fake aluminum trim. On the test car we had, it was already coming apart.

kthor - 6/23/2008 2:48:23 PM

-3 Boost

BMW4me4ever, great reviewing based on experience.

answer, same old personal attacking garbage from you. Shut your hole or add something with even a tiny bit of intelligence (if you can muster it).

BMW4me4ever - 6/23/2008 7:20:38 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

kthor .. typcal response from you. what is the point of a high performance sedan if it doesnt behave like one? Why not just get a 335 or Audi S4 or IS350? The point of building a car like this is for the performance minded individual who enjoys the passion of driving, otherwise save the money and buy the regular sedan if you are concerned about how it drives in the city. The Lexus IS-F is an okay attempt at building a sports sedan, but nowhere in the league of the M3. these type of cars arent designed for the " the average joe ". lol ...

utahnkid - 6/24/2008 3:48:36 AM

+1 Boost

Whooaaa.. An IS-F is LEAGES in EVERY way superior to the IS-350. Different cars, different purpose. and considering only THAT much more it really is a "fairly" priced vehicle. I saw a few go through auction just the other day for around 55-60 k. Not bad.

kthor - 6/24/2008 3:33:20 PM

+1 Boost

BMW4me4ever, you and I agree completely. You are exactly right that the IS-F is nowhere in the league of the M3. That's what I said. I also said I liked your review. What are you reading into my post? What does the "Typical" comment mean? FWIW I drive an M3 and had another one before that.

answer - 6/24/2008 4:34:27 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

kthor,

All you ever do is regurgitate the same old "BMW is best" crap and belittle every other brand.

Perhaps it is you who should shut up.

kthor - 6/24/2008 6:55:50 PM

+2 Boost

I comment about the cars that are on topic. I have an opinion and preference about what I like and why I like it. Do you? You just say derogatory things about me. I talk about cars based on experience and you talk about me. BTW, who is that a photo of on your page? What's with the puzzles and graphs? It looks like you are a junior high math teacher without an interest in cars. That isn't even remotely a bash, just an observation and question.

EL44 - 6/22/2008 5:03:55 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

que la guerre commence!

reply to this comment

stash84 - 6/22/2008 9:36:36 PM

0 Boost

what language is that? i hope its not spanish lol

mpls - 6/22/2008 5:14:26 AM

+2 Boost

You mean the reviewer was not Japanese, but the actual racing driver with the red driving gloves was probably japanese, the "nihon car" site probably hired "Yamishita" to drive on the Fuji Speedway for them.
It was quite an objective review because in essense, it is a review of the IS-F. It never said IS-F was the best, it gave the viewer a question. About what kind of car they'd refer then go for it.., though Nihon car said why they went for the IS-F.

it was a German car site with german reviewers, it'll always be a Benz, BMW no matter what, no questiosn asked..

reply to this comment

M53R - 6/22/2008 7:25:00 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

The M3 is about.... guess? Performance.

reply to this comment

slu1979 - 6/22/2008 9:47:45 AM

-2 Boost

I have never driven any, but i think i would choose the is-f, especially a black or a white one. i am no top class driver, and i dont think i would like to learn about oversteer in an expensive car like an M3. I prefer to see the lexus, it looks more muscular. the m3 looks like a 335i. i thought it was a good review by the reviewer, he was very fair, i actually thought he gave the M3 more points than the is-f. i am sure alot of the M3 fans out there would drive a is-f harder around a track than they could drive a M3. i really wish lexus would ease up a little on the electronic interferences though.

reply to this comment

utahnkid - 6/22/2008 9:52:13 AM

-1 Boost

Over or under steer are terms you apply only when on the track. For everyday, even spirited, driving that's not something you really have to worry about.

BMW4me4ever - 6/23/2008 7:26:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

utah they do apply to everyday driving. These cars arent designed the " the average joe", they are designed for the race car like performance. When you drive cars like this in that manner, their faults show clearly. Whether you are taking a on ramp or off ramp, going to a track, driving very fast on the expressways or back roads somewhere flaws in body roll, suspension, throttle response can change how you drive. Changes your confidence level.

MichaelTaylor - 6/22/2008 11:36:44 AM

0 Boost

I've said it numerous times before and I'll gladly say it again without shame, the Lexus IS-F is the new class leader combining top handling, performance, comfort and fuel economy together with unquestioned quality and reliability.

Any Lexus is always a winner, always.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2008 1:43:46 PM

0 Boost

go grandpa! every lexus i see is driven by a silver haired person. except the best-selling RX which is driven by soccer moms.

stash84 - 6/22/2008 9:38:33 PM

+2 Boost

i got some silver hairs ! damn..maybe its not a coincidence...

Bmw8ter - 6/22/2008 11:41:57 AM

+4 Boost

Saw one of these last night at the dealership... $62,200.00 fully loaded. That's not a bad price IMO. It looks great in silver.

It doesn't look quite as "boyraceish" in person, as pictures would have you belive....not bad looking at all.

reply to this comment

MichaelTaylor - 6/22/2008 11:50:09 AM

-8 Boost

Ok so let us compare the IS-F to the M3 for each possible criteria.

Design: IS-F (in my book)
Performance: IS-F
Handling: M3 (barely)
Comfort: IS-F
Fun factor: IS-F
Fuel economy: IS-F
Green factor: IS-F
Reliability: IS-F
Quality: IS-F
Interior: IS-F
Transmission: IS-F (8-speed AT > 6-speed MT anyday)
Badge snobbery: M3
Value: IS-F
Most likely to get you laid: IS-F (chicks love reliable men and reliable cars)

So, a clear victory for the IS-F which is superior in every way possible.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 6/22/2008 12:02:03 PM

-1 Boost

Oh stop your whinin, your Lexus lost fair and square.

Htay7500 - 6/22/2008 12:44:15 PM

+2 Boost

"IS-F (8-speed AT > 6-speed MT anyday)"

what makes the automatic better than the manual? you get engaged with the car when you have a manual, unless you want to be lazy and let all that power be sapped.

F1_Driver - 6/22/2008 1:06:42 PM

0 Boost

You will always get more consistent shifts with an automatic than a manual so I agree with the original poster above: 8-speed AT > 6speed MT any day.

EvoAudi - 6/22/2008 3:58:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"Most likely to get you laid: IS-F (chicks love reliable men and reliable cars)"

I just asked my friend's Girlfriend and she said that if she was being hit on by a guy with a Lexus, she would assume he has ED since 60% of Lexus owners are seniors.

Homer007 - 6/22/2008 4:23:56 PM

+5 Boost

M3 fans would say:
Design: M3
Sound: M3
Prestige: M3
M=30yrs. of experience: M3
F <1 yrs of experience: M3
Handling: M3
Steering feel: M3
Quality: M3
Design: M3

I think M3 is an amazing car for as long as I could remember. Also try to remember that the IS-F wouldn't exist if it wasn't for an BMW M3.

Whatthe - 6/23/2008 12:02:30 PM

+2 Boost

As I was saying, 8 spds are for housewives and nancy boy's. A performance car should have a stick.
The Lexus is a tarted up boy racer, electric nanny reinforced, wish I could drive car.
Not a drivers car.
The thing about full names was valid!

auto001 - 6/22/2008 2:54:27 PM

-2 Boost

BMW: "Not as fun to own as it is to drive"

Lexus: "Fun to drive as well as easy to own"

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 6/22/2008 7:27:23 PM

+3 Boost

The center console of the IS-F doesn't look any more sophisticated than the Camry's. $62,000 is a bit much to ask for the IS-F IMO. If it were $50k I'd consider it, but at $62,000 you might as well get the real thing. And that would be the M3.

reply to this comment

Bmw8ter - 6/22/2008 8:40:42 PM

-6 Boost

At $62k, the Lexus IS-F seems reasonable considering a fully loaded M3 will run you around $69k. You could probably even convince the Lexus dealer to include the tax in that figure; but you'd be hard pressed to get a BMW dealer to agree to the same deal.

BMW4me4ever - 6/23/2008 10:57:18 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

BMW8ter - The lexus is smaller than the BMW M3. $69k has alot more on it than what lexus even offers. If you price out similarly equipped cars, then the price of the M3 is only $3k more. Why buy a slower, more body roll, doesnt handle as well, smaller car for a few thousand less when you are already spending $60k + for it? Why buy the imitation, when the real thing is so much better?

F1_Driver - 6/24/2008 12:15:09 AM

-2 Boost

For 69 large I'd get the GT-R and blow the doors off 100% of the cars on the road, including the M3.

amazinBimmer - 6/23/2008 8:54:33 AM

+2 Boost

which idiot would pick the ISF.. oh.. wait.. Mental midgets.. go ahead... be heard... MORONS>

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 6/23/2008 11:02:06 AM

+2 Boost

This is like comparing a Vishnu Evo (spoilers and all) to one of the greatest driving cars of all time. Yeah, the lexus can put up good numbers, but who over 20yrs. old would be caught dead driving it!?!
If thats what you like, the Vishnu makes more sense.

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 6/23/2008 11:57:24 AM

0 Boost

Are you kidding me, one stick comment and the thought police jump in?

reply to this comment

sizquik - 6/23/2008 1:02:30 PM

0 Boost

As much as I wanted to hate this car I thoroughly check one out this weekend and it is really growing on me. I do have to say I drove the new M3 on the street and this average Joe was actually a bit disappointed

reply to this comment

amazinBimmer - 6/23/2008 2:02:57 PM

+1 Boost

siz.. sure you know how to drive? if you are considering the isf.. then the m is not for you.. look at the audi/ vw rs4 and maybe the benz, although that is tougher to drive....

reply to this comment

kpaxx - 6/24/2008 9:16:52 AM

+1 Boost

Actually for this journalist the C63 would be a better choice it is a more appropriate car for the "average joe" driver AND it is more luxurious than the IS-F.

reply to this comment

amazinBimmer - 6/24/2008 9:25:36 AM

+3 Boost

i aint average.

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 6/25/2008 10:56:24 AM

+1 Boost

no no you are special

StickShiftCamry - 6/25/2008 1:57:44 AM

+1 Boost

nope, that M3 design is already gettin old - if i'm spendin that much - ppl should be able to tell and see. IS-F is wide and that stacked exhaust no matter what sets it apart. If only it had a manual. I don' care, it's expected of these high powered cars to have a manual - thats why i get sleepers in Manual trans - (Camry V6). I'll stick w/ the stomp and go IS-F.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

Renntec Mercedes C63 AMG Ferrari Enzo Replacement Spied Sarah Palin Opens A Can Of Alaskan Whoop-Ass On Obama And Democrats-But What Does She Drive?Recall Issued for 2009 Jaguar XF CONFIRMED: Chevrolet Volt to be revealed this month Study: Women get ’turned on by engine sounds of Maseratis Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 gets diamond wheels and pink brakes Will Buyers Be Willing To Settle For A 4 Cylinder BMW, Or It That Just Too Far Of A Stretch Upcoming Beetle Design Will Inject More Testostorone Rumor: Ferrari working on a 430 Scuderia Spider 2010 Chevrolet Camaro orders start next month Hyundai to show Santa Fe hybrid concept in Paris Is Imitation The Sincerest Form Of Flattery? Honda Releases Their Own Prius Look Alike!2009 Mazda MX-5 Facelift Citroen reveals new hybrid concept Early look at America-bound Ford C-Max Spies Become MythBusters When It Comes To Your Options If You Think You've Bought A Lemon Is BMW The Company Actually Behind The Audi A4 Driving Experience App?NHTSA Sides With Toyota On Unintended Acceleration Issues Claiming 400 Owners Had No Case Chrysler Still Sits In The Basement, Sales Down 34% For August How Low Should It Go? Analysts Predict Oil To Plunge As Low As $80 A Barrel!The Bottom Falls Out Of Audi Sales In August, Down 16% For The Month Hyundai May Be Fuel Economy Leader By Meeting Standards 5 Years Ahead Of Deadline GM Employee Pricing Program Fails To Limit Sales Losses - Sales Down 20.4% In August Hyundai Stumbles Down 8.8% For August BMW Sales Dip 4.1% In August - Mini Remains Strong Up 34.1%Honda Stumbles 7.1% In August - Acura Makes Progress Down 8.2%2008 Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black Arrow Mazda Tightens The Belt With a 4.4% Decrease In August Sales Nissan Rebounds With Sales Up 14.2% - Infiniti Up 8.0% For August Toyota Drops 9.4% In August - Lexus Year End Clearance Event Curbs Losses To 9.1%Volkswagen Rides The TDI To A 2.9% Increase August Sales Mercedes Benz Sales Drop 11.8% In August - SMART Sales Remain Strong FOMOCO Stuns No One With A 26.6% Shortfall In August Sales BMW 135i Outpoints Its Competitors to Become Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Sporty Car German Car Market Sales Fall 10.4% For August Infiniti M35 to get 303-hp V6 VQ35HR engine Hot News: Mercedes CLT 2009 Lexus IS Facelift Spurts Out On The Net $200 Spy Tool Allows You To Track Your Errant Children Or Spouse's Every Move Consumer Reports Analysis: Best Money Saving Hybrids Chrysler working on electric cars and plug-in hybrids $2 million Bugatti Veyron crashed again Honda's Prius rival to be revealed on Thursday Kia Soul to debut at Paris Motor Show Hummer H3T on sale in Middle East this November BMW pure electric 1-series in the works Audi working on R3 roadster with 4-cylinder engine Who Is Going To Be The First to Fall And How Soon?Honda To Debut New Hybrid Thursday - To Be Priced Same As Conventional Models

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

00K's Corner

Join Agent00K as she brings a special perspective to the automotive world.

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

More Galleries